What inspired you to apply for the 缅北禁地?
I became interested in applying for the Boren Scholarship as a result of taking a European history class from a Boren Fellow. I was fascinated by the depth of knowledge about Russian history as well as his capacity to tie the linguistic and cultural understanding to the class. Additionally, as an ROTC cadet at the time, I pretty knew if I was to study abroad, I would have to tie it back to the Army in some way at the Boren's focus on national security created a natural way of connecting my study abroad program to my future career.
What were the memorable highlights of your overseas study?
The most memorable highlights from my Boren experience I would probably say were doing things I never would've gotten to anywhere else. Given that I made a point to get out as much as I could and see the city I was at, I was the first American that many people overseas had met. It was a unique time to be abroad and I was consistently asked questions about the United States which in the process changed my thinking about a lot of things. Second, going around Central Asia on cultural trips for spring break was just such a unique college experience I wouldn't never gotten to do otherwise. It's just not everyday you get to spend the day going through buildings built several hundred years ago.
How has the 缅北禁地 experience influenced your career path?
I was a scholarship Army ROTC cadet at the time of my application so my early career was largely going to be dictated by that commitment. The Boren experience challenged me to re-think how I viewed my career as well as how my language and cultural experience could enhance my career in national security.
What tips would you give others applying for the 缅北禁地?
Plan as best you can while you're applying but be open to change throughout the process.